Ibuprofen - Nurofen 200 mg and 400 mg Tablets for Pain Relief

Ibuprofen - Nurofen 200 mg and 400 mg Tablets

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain, fever and inflammation. At prescription strength it treats the pain, swelling and stiffness of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and moderate pain including period pain; lower doses cover everyday aches, headaches and fever. It is supplied here as Nurofen 200 mg and Nurofen 400 mg tablets, 100 tablets per pack, made by Reckitt. It acts faster than the longer-acting anti-inflammatory Meloxicam, which is why it is taken every four to six hours rather than once a day. A related anti-inflammatory with a different risk profile is Nimesulide.

• Two variants: Nurofen 200 mg and Nurofen 400 mg
• 100 tablets per pack
• Anti-inflammatory and painkiller
• Sold over the counter in many countries

Variant Comparison

Both variants contain ibuprofen, so the difference is the strength and what that strength is suitable for.

The 200 mg tablet is the standard strength for short-lived pain and allows the dose to be adjusted tablet by tablet, while the 400 mg tablet delivers the same total amount with fewer tablets and suits stronger pain. Whichever strength is used, the daily total should stay within what the pack or the prescriber allows, and ibuprofen is taken with or after food. Pain that lasts more than a few days, or that needs a stomach protector, belongs with a doctor, who may prescribe a long-acting anti-inflammatory such as Meloxicam for joint disease.

How Ibuprofen Works

Ibuprofen blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins, the substances that drive pain, fever and swelling. That is why it helps both inflammation and fever, and also why it can irritate the stomach lining and affect the kidneys. NSAIDs as a group raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, and the risk is higher in people with existing heart disease, smokers and heavy drinkers.

Dosage & Administration

For pain, adults take one or two 200 mg tablets or one 400 mg tablet every four to six hours as needed, with or after food, and the daily total must stay within the pack limit or your doctor's advice. Ibuprofen is not taken around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Do not combine it with other NSAIDs, and a daily low-dose aspirin such as Ecosprin needs spacing away from ibuprofen. Get medical help for stomach pain, black stools, vomiting blood, unexplained weight gain, swelling of the ankles or legs, shortness of breath, or rash, blisters and peeling skin.

This product may require a prescription in your country. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.